A world of beauty and care, depicted by outreached hands, is highlighted during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Asian Para Games at the Aoti Main Stadium in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, on Sunday night. [Xinhua]

It was not all about spectacle or splendor at the opening ceremony of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games on Sunday night - humanity stole the show.

Emotional scenes throughout the ceremony were the real highlights instead of the traditional attraction of fireworks and the illuminated background.

"This Asian Para Games marks a milestone in the Paralympic Movement," said Wang Xinxian, executive president of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games Organizing Committee, and president of the Chinese Paralympic Committee. "Today, Guangzhou is embracing Asia with modern civilization and humanism."

Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin, president of the Asian Paralympic Committee, was thrilled to see the human spirit triumphant thanks to the Games.

"The official emblem for the Games reminds me of a window, a window to your hearts and souls. Your understanding, kindness, hospitality and sincerity make all of us visitors feel welcome in your home. I invite you to support the Games and join us in celebrating the triumph of the human spirit."

The curtain to Sunday's ceremony opened as a visually impaired child named He Yuxuan and his mother walked into the stadium.

Holding China's national flag in his hands, He had often dreamt of raising the national flag by himself one day.

The dream came true on Sunday.

"I could not see the flag but it's in my heart," said the 8-year-old boy. "I can feel it. It is in my mind."

He and his mother were not alone at the Aoti Main Stadium.

Over 400 mothers of disabled children from China and other countries and regions later joined them to sing with a number of pop stars as the stadium became a rousing sea of humanity.

(China Daily December 13, 2010)